Panthers win third straight D3 boys track regional

PICKFORD — The Pickford boys captured their third straight Division 3 track and field regional title in dominate fashion on their home track Saturday.

The Panthers ran away from the competition with 90.75 points. Cedarville was second with 42.75 and Rudyard with third with 36 in the 8-team regional.

Jacob Andrzejak controlled the distance races, winning the 1600 (5:08.67) and 3200 (11:15.83) for the Panthers.

The Panthers swept the relays, and won 11 events overall. Pickford produced U.P. qualifiers in every event and qualified 17 athletes for U.P. Finals.

Other event winners for the Panthers included Jonathan Kamper in the 110 hurdles (18.71), Alec Firack in the 400 (57.45), Wyatt Boik in 300 hurdles (48.06), Jacob Hatfield in high jump (5-2) and Steven Batho in pole vault (9-0).

"It was a good day," Pickford coach Gerry Rairigh said. "Everybody performed well. We qualified everyone we expected and then some. We're going to be bringing a big group to U.P. Finals, I think the biggest group since I’ve been coach."

Nick Ellis of Cedarville was triple-event winner, prevailing in the 100 (12.24), 200 (25.42) and long jump (19-2.25). Cedarville's Patrick McMaken won the 800 (2:13.76).

Rudyard's David Davelaar was a double-winner in the shot put (44-4) and discus (110-0.5).